If you have been following All Around the Bend, then you probably know that botanical gardens are some of our favorite places to visit. Florida is so much more than sandy beaches and Mickey Mouse Ears. The word Florida itself means Land of the Flowers as Ponce de Leon describes it and he called the state La Florida. The gardens that I have included are ones that I have visited, and I am sure I will be adding to the list. These are just a few of my favorites. So, pack up your picnic. and let’s hit the road.

#1 Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

Tourists visiting Florida and Bok Tower Gardens before the Disney Days had several options regarding attractions. They could choose from Water Ski Shows at Cypress Gardens or the Glass Bottom Boats at Silver Springs. The Weeki Wachee Mermaids or the Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens. Lake Wales promised visitors they would “Find Serenity at Bok Tower Gardens”. The gardens offer beautiful views with miles of rolling hills through the citrus groves. In addition, you will find a day of ease as you stroll through lush plants bordered with beautiful flowers, over a hundred species of birds, and a 205-foot tower that plays music every 30 minutes. These were Florida’s original theme parks, and Bok Tower & Gardens is one of the few that remains to this day.

There is a certain calmness when you wander through thousands of blooming azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and other flowering plants throughout the paved primary and mulched secondary paths. The garden is home to 126 bird species and is listed on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Since its opening in the late twenties, Bok Tower and Gardens remains one of Old Florida’s favorite tourist attractions.

Bok Tower Gardens: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL

#2 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville

One of Gainesville’s most popular attractions consists of 68 acres of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens. The warmer summer months are the season for Kanapaha’s famous giant Victorian Water Lilies, the biggest variety in the world. Their leaves are 6 feet or more in diameter. Because their round leaves have upturned margins, they are sometimes called water platters. Although I am not sure if I would try it, these water lilies are strong enough to support the weight of a small child.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has 24 major plant collections situated along two loops of well-marked walkways. The gardens offer the most color during the summer months.

Kanapaha’s signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo, and–during the warm months–giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums.

Gazebos along the trail in the gardens give visitors a chance to rest their feet and relax from the Florida unannounced rain storms and extreme sunshine. This is also a good place to spread out a picnic and stay awhile.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL

#3 McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach

McKee Botanical Gardens is an 18-acre lush garden in Vero Beach, Florida. The garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a historic Florida landmark.

In its jungle landscape, you will find one of the biggest outdoor displays of water lilies in the United States, with lilies blooming in lagoons, streams, and around waterfalls. As you follow the paths and trails, you will see unique flora, plants, and trees such as orchids, palms, oaks, and bamboo among many other species.

McKee Botanical Gardens: 350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL

#4 Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach

A visit to the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens will make you feel like you have traveled halfway around the world. When I arrived at the gardens, I started to feel relaxed. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Taking inspiration from authentic Japanese gardens, you will find serene landscapes and beautifully manicured gardens.

Following the path will allow you to blend into six distinct gardens. The Shinden Garden, Paradise Garden, Early Rock Garden, Karesansui Late Rock Garden, Hiraniwa Flat Garden, and Modern Romantic Garden. It will bring a feeling of serenity and a sense of well-being.

The gardens reflect major periods of Japanese garden design, from the eighth to the 20th century. The design allows the gardens to flow together as one garden. In addition, the 16 acres of gardens include paths to wander, resting areas, and lakes teeming with wildlife.

Morikami Japanese Gardens: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL

#5 Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce

Heathcote Botanical Gardens began as a nursery but transformed into a botanical garden welcoming visitors from all over the world. The Heathcote Botanical Gardens consists of an assortment of specialty gardens where there is always something beautiful in bloom.

One of the displays at the gardens includes an extensive Topical Bonsai Garden, bringing elements from all over the world to create a stunning display of plants. Bonsai is the art of dwarfing trees and growing them in containers. Furthermore, Heathcote is home to the largest tropical bonsai garden in North America.

Plan on spending about an hour here at the gardens however, you could spend half a day here too. For me, it was unbelievably refreshing. This small, easily walkable garden has a huge variety of plants.

Heathcote Botanical Gardens: 210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce, FL

#6 Mounts Botanical Gardens in West Palm Beach

With a mission to “inspire and educate through nature,” Mounts Botanical Garden has a history spanning more than 40 years. It is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden.

There are 25 different and unique garden areas with more than 5000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees in the 16 acres of pristine landscape. You will see Florida natives, exotics, herbs, palms, roses, cacti, succulents, bromeliads, tropical fruit trees, and more.

Whether you’re planning an outing with family and friends, or need an escape for yourself, Mounts Botanical is here to inspire, educate, and surprise you with the wonders of nature. Come out and discover Mounts Botanical Gardens and take a stroll for relaxation, and inspiration.

Mounts Botanical Gardens: 531 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL

#7 Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens is another one of “Old Florida’s” last roadside attractions at over 100 years old. The garden started in 1903 when avid gardener George Turner Sr. purchased the land, including a shallow lake that he drained to form his private “sunken” garden. Some of the plants that you will see in the gardens have been here for over 100 years. The City of St. Petersburg purchased Sunken Gardens in 1999. The original sign still stands outside and welcomes guests to this Eden in the middle of downtown St. Petersburg.

Relax as you stroll the paths of lush exotic plants from all over the world. Listen to the sounds of cascading waterfalls as they add a sense of serenity to your visit to paradise.

Winding paths will take you past coconut palms, bougainvillea, parrots, and a pond with flamingos. Of course, we had to stay for a while and watch the flamboyant flock of flamingos as they frolicked around searching for that next bite to eat.

Sunken Gardens: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL

Well, these are my favorite botanical gardens so far. As I continue my journeys around this beautiful state of Florida I am sure that I will add to my list. What is your favorite and where should I go next? Drop me a comment and give me your suggestions.